CHAMBER NEWS Business Buzz CO M MUN ITY + COMMERCE N EWS
IBM Forms $2 Million Partnership with ASU Alabama State University and IBM (International Business Machines) announced a joint educational partnership that includes access to the IBM Skills Academy focused on digital learning and technology skills. Through IBM’s existing academic initiative, the company will make available software and
Photography by Bryan Carter.
cloud technology estimated in the millions of dollars. Dr. Carl Pettis, ASU’s Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, said the partnership is one step closer to closing the diversity gap in STEM by preparing the next generation for the high-tech workforce.
Alabama Shakespeare Festival Celebrates 35 Years Alabama Shakespeare Festival recently celebrated its 35th anniversary in Montgomery. From its founding as a summer theatre festival in Anniston in 1972 to its designation as the State Theater of Alabama in 1977 to the stunning performing arts complex in Montgomery (built in 1985), ASF has been a leader in the performing arts throughout the state, region and country. After several successful seasons in Anniston, ASF found itself facing ever-rising expenses. Philanthropist and businessman Wynton “Red” Blount offered to financially support the company and build a $21.5 million state-of-the-art theater complex for year-round use, if ASF would relocate from Anniston to Montgomery. On December 7, 1985, Alabama Shakespeare Festival opened its doors in Montgomery with its production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
MGM New Urbanist Community Hits Record-Setting Home Sales
Buffalo’s Cafe Set to Open at The Shoppes at EastChase
Hampstead, a 416-acre master-planned
Buffalo’s Cafe, a Georgia-based
residential and mixed-use development,
family style restaurant, will open
had its best sales year ever in 2020. The
its first location in Alabama at
community announced new and existing home
The Shoppes at EastChase this
sales were 46 percent higher than 2019, a
spring. Buffalo’s Cafe is an Atlanta,
record-setting year. New home sales alone
Georgia-based concept offering
increased 36 percent year-over-year.
fresh buffalo-style chicken wings and sauces in a family-friendly
Beasley Allen Announces Mobile Office
restaurant environment. In addition to its “world-famous” wings, Buffalo’s
Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles,
carries an extensive menu featuring
P.C. announced a third office, opening January
burgers, tacos, salads, build-your-
2021 in Mobile. The Mobile office will be
own rice bowls and more. The
headed by Frank Woodson as Managing
restaurant makes every menu item
Attorney-Mobile. Woodson has been with
from scratch in-house and offers a
Beasley Allen since 2001. Before coming to
diverse cocktail menu, happy hour
Montgomery, he practiced in Mobile for 17
and will even offer live music on
years.
select days.
66 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL
